A Bermudian-born ex-US Army soldier is in the front line for a top American air carrier.

Steven Darrell has taken over as Continental Airlines top man at Bermuda International Airport.

And he revealed the airline could be on the verge of expanding its two flights a day to and from Newark to include other airports in the US.

Continental general manager Mr. Darrell, back in Bermuda after an absence of 11 years, said yesterday: "We are hoping in the near future to offer more destinations from Bermuda -- but I don't think I should say any more than that at the moment.'' Mr. Darrell admitted: "It came as a surprise to be offered the job here -- I knew it was going to be a challenge.

"I was a manager in Texas for Continental, but I didn't have any staff working directly for me.

"But the staff here are a wonderful group of people and I'm looking forward to continuing Continental's success in Bermuda and making people aware it's a large carrier in the US and also travels all over the world.'' He added: "Things have certainly changed in Bermuda -- there are a lot more tall buildings.'' Father-of-two Mr. Darrell, who served in the Police for nine years, left Bermuda in 1987 for an Army career after marrying wife Terry the year before.

He rose to the rank of Specialist in the US service's catering branch before joining Continental in Houston in 1990.

Mr. Darrell rose through the ranks with the award-winning airline from reservation sales agent to baggage processes development manager, working on models for baggage service offices, before being offered the Bermuda job.

Mr. Darrell, who was brought up in the Brangman Home in Pembroke, attended Prospect Primary and Robert Crawford schools and later studied at Central Data Centre in Houston.

He has also successfully completed a string of management courses offered by Continental.

Steven Darrell APPOINTMENT APP